Sun launches early access to next generation Mobile Java Platform

BANGALORE: Sun Microsystems, Inc., the creator and leading advocate of Java technology, has announced early access to a suite of tools and platform products supporting the new standard blueprint for next-generation Java Platform Micro Edition (Java ME) application development, delivering advanced graphical applications for Java technology-enabled phones.

Based on the new Mobile Service Architecture -- Java Specification Request (JSR) 248 and JSR 209 (Advanced Graphical User Interfaces) specifications -- these new products will enable the efficient development of mobile applications with rich multi-media functions, 3D graphics, location-based services, mobile payment capabilities, Bluetooth support and more compelling interfaces.

The Java ME platform has emerged as the clear platform of choice for mobile applications developers. One indication of the platform's momentum is the rapid growth of the Java Verified Program, which has experienced a 10-fold year-over-year increase in the number of certifications. The program is bringing more accountability into the mobility application ecosystem and is expanding to meet market needs with next-generation Unified Test Criteria, new program services and shortened turn-around time. Industry-leading handset manufacturers LGE and Samsung have recently joined the ranks of the Java Verified Program.

"With handsets becoming more sophisticated, the Java ME platform is evolving to meet these new capabilities. The addition of technology to support functionality such as rich multi-media collaboration, animation and customized phone environments is a major step forward for the platform," said Alan Brenner, vice president, Client Systems Group at Sun. "JSR 248 and JSR 209 provide a glimpse at the kinds of handset applications consumers will begin seeing reach the market next year."

To support the new specifications, Sun previewed several key products for Java ME application developers, handset manufacturers and operators:

Sun Wireless Toolkit for Connected Limited Device Configuration (CLDC) with Mobile Services Architecture (MSA) or JSR 248 support, a beta release planned for June 2006. This updated product provides the support necessary to allow applications written to the supported APIs in JSR 248 to be tested and debugged.

Sun Java Wireless Client, MSA or JSR 248 subset support, to be released in May 2006, will serve as the basis of the software stack that maximizes the number of applications that can run on a handset.

Java Device Test Suite (JDTS) 2.0, a test suite to support MSA or JSR 248, to be released in May 2006, enables handset operators and manufacturers to test implementations to verify consistent behavior and quality.